The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has recently launched its promotional film for the FIFA World Cup 2026, titled "Let's Make It Iconic". This unique and engaging film is a product of collaboration between the BBC's in-house agency, BBC Creative, Blinkink, and illustrator Dan Evans. Directed by Nicos Livesey from Blinkink, the film employs a variety of filmmaking techniques to create an immersive viewing experience.
The promo film stands out due to its innovative use of multiple filmmaking techniques. These include live action sequences, 2D animation, hand-crafting elements, stop frame animation and in-camera effects. This blend of different styles not only adds visual interest but also enhances the storytelling aspect of the promo.
One particularly intriguing aspect of this promotional film is how it transforms everyday objects associated with football fandom into what they term as 'fanvases'. Scarves become swirling banners on screen; enamel badges morph into animated characters; flags wave with renewed vigour; drums beat with rhythmic intensity; face paint becomes a vibrant palette for expression; and bobbleheads nod along to the excitement. his creative approach serves two purposes: it captures viewers' attention through its novelty while also resonating deeply with sports fans who are familiar with these objects as part of their fan culture.
Collaboration behind scenes
The creation process behind this iconic promo was a collaborative effort involving several key players. BBC Creative led the project from within BBC itself. They were joined by Blinkink - known for their expertise in creating compelling animations - and illustrator Dan Evans whose artistic skills added depth to every frame. The direction was handled by Nicos Livesey from Blinkink who managed to seamlessly blend all these diverse elements into a cohesive film.
Tom Espezel, creative director at BBC Creative, said:
“In a landscape of AI it felt more important than ever to focus on craft and celebrate the effort that goes into every expression of fandom.”
"Let's Make It Iconic", the FIFA World Cup 2026 promo film, is more than just a promotional tool. It is an artistic expression that captures the spirit of football fandom in a unique and engaging way. By blending different filmmaking techniques and transforming everyday objects into 'fanvases', it offers viewers an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional sports promos. This innovative approach sets a new standard for sports promotion, making it truly iconic in its own right.
